Unedited

62 Signs of War

A war might occur if this goes on.

Ragna puts his hand on his chin, Ciel furrows his brows, and I was lost for words from too much shock.

When I met with Yulias-s.h.i.+n for the first time, I hoped to go to a world without war and he acknowledged saying that it was an easy request.

Between the continent's Yodelia Kingdom and the Sacred Country of Habartalt, there spread a monster zone with bigger range than a large river.

It's fine to rush into it with a horse alone, it's absolutely not a place where an army can march.

Having actually traveled through it, I knew this all too well.

We were able to pa.s.s through without any problems because we are rank and S-rank veteran adventurers, a collection of soldiers can't possibly get past it. (TN: Because Rei is a member of Aleph/Ciel party which is rank and Ragna is S-rank.)

Even so, why are they causing a war?

As if noticing the uniformity of our silence, Cis raised a cheerful voice.

[Somehow, it looks like it's going to drag on, I'm going to prepare some tea for now.]  

Cis stands up from her chair and Darrel goes on.

[It will be a huge matter if that's true. I also may have been consulted about something, I will read it in my room.] (TN: Darrel's own letter.)

When Darrel left the living room, Dy appeared.

He doesn't have the usual smile as if he's eaten a person, he's glaring at the letter Aleph is holding with a look as if he's fed from the bottom of his heart.

[You said there's a war? Unbelievable, isn't it, the national border is full of monsters, you know?]

Fufufu, he leaked out a sneer and ridiculed Aleph more sharply than usual.

[The reason why a war hasn't happened in more than a hundred years is because the troops aren't able to cross the monster zone on the border. For him to not know about something so obvious, is your older brother an idiot with lacking intelligence?]

[Apparently, they found a way eliminate the monster zone.]

Dy's facial expression hardens instantly. With a dreadfulness he has never shown before, he looks at Aleph with his amethyst eyes turning a darker shade.

[What's that? Swordsman-kun, explain it in more details.]

[Even if you ask me to explain,it looks like they also haven't grasped it on Honored Uncle's side. It's just that, due to the swelling of military power which caused an unusual even in the kingdom,he's warning us not to head towards Yodelia.]

[Huuh? For him to give me an order, Holy Emperor also has a lot of guts, doesn't he.]

Although the old demon's clearly beautiful face formed a warped smile, he certainly is supposed to be smiling but it brought about a penetrating cold air.

[Isn't it better for the world and the people if the foolish Royal Family who raised some lunacy such as war to be annihilated?]

[Stop it! It's certainly true that Elder Brother's method is wrong, but to kill him because of that is…]

Aleph refutes Dy's extreme comment.

[So you're saying it's fine even if hundreds and thousands of die because of those trashes who are as brainless as livestocks?]

[n.o.body said that! Don't mock Elder Brother like that!]

[Calm down, both of you!]

After breaking up argument that's heating up more and more and calming the two down, I reveal my own mind.

[I think we must go to Yodelia Kingdom.]

[Rei! It's dangerous, absolutely not!]

Opposite of Aleph who looked away and objected, Ragna calmly asked.

[Why do you think you want to go?]

[Even I don't want a war to occur… the Holy Emperor is also the same, I don't want the people I know in this world to be put in danger. That's what I think.]

[Nevertheless, there's no need for you to put yourself in danger, is there?]

Aleph desperately convinces me, but I can't do nothing and watch the course of events from a safe place, and when I think that meanwhile the Holy Emperor, the residents of Verna, and the good adventurers in Sacred City will be put in danger, I can't just sit still.

Towards me who was being stubborn on my opinion, Dy raised the corner of his lips with half-opened eyes.

[Rei is also saying it like this, we're going to Yodelia Kingdom. Isn't it fine for you guys to stay in a safe place and tremble?]

When he sneered provocatively, Aleph looked as if he was going to raise his voice again, but Ciel intervened and expresses his mind.

[Diremolo, I'm also going. If we leave things as it is, I feel that something unbelievable will happen. I want to confirm the truth.]

Ciel who saw the severity of the situation if the monster zone disappears, tells us that he's going with us. The Dragonkin will also accompany us.

[…I'm going as well.]

[Ragndono!]

Why even you, to Aleph who looks shocked, Ragna quietly speaks.

[Rei's decision is firm, and I want to protect those who Rei wants to protect. I will also lend my strength.]

[Ragna, thank you.]

Perplexity and worry spreads in Aleph's face, and he looks at me asking me why.

[Rei…why won't you understand?]

[Come with us, Aleph, let's go and persuade your older brother.]

[But it's too dangerous, your safety can't be guaranteed.]

[Even if it's dangerous, you will definitely regret it if you fdon't go.  And won't it be even more dangerous if a war breaks out?]

[We can just hide in a place where it's safe.]

[I don't want that. After coming to this world, I don't want the people who took care of me to be slaughtered.]

Unable to move each of our opinions to the same wavelength, heavy silence once again fill up the room.

That's when the married couple returned and Cis started pouring tea. It seems she was serving a nice-smelling herb tea, our feelings slightly calmed down.

After serving us, who aren't having a conversation, tea, Cis asks Ciel in her usual tone.

[Ciel-chan, have you decided to leave again?]

[That's right.]

[Of course, Ciel-chan is already an adult after all, you're not going to stay at home forever, huh.]

It wouldn't have been weird for Ciel to be treated as a child considering the elves' age, but Cis lonesomely but proudly recognized his growth.

Cis hugs Ciel and Darrel is watching his wife and son lovingly.

[Please come home again whenever.]

[They will definitely come back. Then us your ;ively face  and make mama feel a.s.sured. Of course, together with Rei-chan and companions, too.]

[Yeah, we're going, Tou-san, Kasan.]

Seeing Ciel's solid determination before his eyes, Aleph's expression wavered.

[Ciel…]

The golden-haired elf who was called shrugged his shoulders. Ah, his movement just now was just like his father.

[Even you understand, don't you? Nothing will change even if we stay here. Especially because you have a connection with the royal family, there's a high chance that the place you run to will be involved. If so, it's better to leave this place.]

On Ciel's deduction towards Aleph, I also add some words.

[Let's go, Aleph. I hope Aleph will lend me his strength.]

After a very long silence, closing his eyes as if he has given up, the indigo blue-haired swordsman solemnly nodded.

[I understand, I will be your strength.]

[Thank you!]

[However, please promise that you will never leave our side no matter what. To not disappear again without telling anyone like yesterday.]

[I promise you! I will absolutely not act on my own.]

Thus, we're on our way back to Yodelia Kingdom.